## Common ground
All options refer to store counters—furniture used for retail checkout or service areas.
## Options at a glance
**9403.20 – Base metal**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed primarily from metals like steel or aluminum, often durable and industrial in appearance.
- **Typical examples:** Steel checkout counters, aluminum display stands.
- **Best fit when:** The counter is heavy-duty, used in high-traffic stores, or needs resistance to wear and theft.
**9403.60 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Made from natural or engineered wood, offering a warm, traditional aesthetic.
- **Typical examples:** Wooden cash desks, rustic retail counters, veneer-covered displays.
- **Best fit when:** The store has a classic, inviting, or boutique-style interior.
**9403.70 – Plastic material**
- **Defining trait:** Built from synthetic plastics (e.g., acrylic, polypropylene), often lightweight and modern-looking.
- **Typical examples:** Transparent display counters, modular plastic kiosks, colorful retail modules.
- **Best fit when:** The counter is designed for a modern, minimalist, or temporary setup.
## Key differences
| Feature | 9403.20 (Metal) | 9403.60 (Wood) | 9403.70 (Plastic) |
|------------------|-----------------|----------------|-------------------|
| Material | Base metal | Wood | Plastic |
| Durability | High | Medium | Low to medium |
| Aesthetic | Industrial | Warm, classic | Modern, sleek |
| Weight | Heavy | Medium | Light |
## How to choose
- Is the counter made of steel, aluminum, or another metal? → 9403.20
- Is it primarily made of wood (natural or veneered)? → 9403.60
- Is it made of acrylic, polypropylene, or similar plastic? → 9403.70
## Overlaps & pitfalls
A counter with a wooden frame and plastic top may fit both 9403.60 and 9403.70. In such cases, use the **dominant material** (e.g., if the surface is plastic, choose 9403.70). If the input doesn’t specify, prioritize based on the **main structural or visible material**